Isak Brox Krane (14) from Tromsø wonders if one day he will suddenly need the iodine tablets that are in readiness in the cupboard at home. – I think there are many young people who are worried when there is so much in the media about the war. Especially since we are among those who are most on social media and the internet, and are served a lot of this news there. – When we also see that many young people struggle with their mental health, there are probably many who struggle a little extra when they receive even more bad news. Russia presents a completely different picture of the war to its citizens than what we in the West are served. Krane believes in particular that young people in his part of the country may feel an additional concern, considering the geographical proximity to Russia. In recent years, his hometown has also hosted a port for Allied nuclear-powered submarines. – We are certainly a military target when you have stationed military forces so close to us. It affects everyone in Tromsø. – It’s scary, and I think many young people here think so, he says. He is supported by Ada Romsdalen (18) at Skien upper secondary school. She too is affected by the news about the war, and says she “feels it in her chest”. Ada Josefine Romsdalen (18) is Vestfold and Telemark’s county leader in Senterungdommen, and attends Skien upper secondary school. She is concerned about what is happening in Ukraine. Photo: Hege Therese Holtung / news – I feel an anger. But also on a concern that things will get worse in Ukraine. It makes me sad because there are so many innocent people this war is about. – Those who struggle the most with this are perhaps some of those who don’t talk about it as much. Those who are most afraid probably keep it to themselves, Romsdalen believes. That is why it is important that adults bring up the topic in the classroom and around the dinner table, she believes. – Take a break from the news Krane says that having an overview of the news picture at all times leads to less concern for himself. But psychologist Kai Krogh thinks it might be a good idea to take a break from the news stream. – Research shows that those who are most affected by this type of unrest in the environment are children and young people, and those who are already struggling. It can intensify any worries you may already have, and in order for this not to get out of control, you can allow yourself a “moment of anxiety”. Krogh explains what this means: – This is a technique that is used, among other things, to treat some types of anxiety. You can allow yourself to ponder as much as you want, for example between five o’clock and six o’clock. After the day is over, but also a good while before you go to bed. Then you have a “worry room” where you can allow yourself to be in touch with these feelings, he says. Psychologist Kai Krogh says that those who already have a lot of worries can be the ones who are hit the hardest. Krogh is also a member of the interest organization No to Nuclear Weapons. Photo: Knut Anders Finnset / news Krogh feels the unrest like everyone else, but says he is not afraid. – We cannot do anything about what happens in the world, but we can do something about how we relate to these events. I select the news that I think is factual and that gives me information. And then I shield myself a little. Children and young people are vulnerable because they can pick up parts without knowing the connection well enough to see the bigger picture. At the same time, it is important to acknowledge the fear. – The way to go is to think “what can I do about this to take care of myself and my loved ones”, and to have a self-preparedness, says the psychologist. For the record: Krogh is also a member of the interest organization No to Nuclear Weapons. – No threat to Norway Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre understands that young people are worried, and says the most important thing is to have someone to talk to. – We have no knowledge of any direct threat to Norway. But we live in uncertain times, so it is understandable to be concerned. Tens of thousands of Ukrainians have fled to Norway. In many local communities, these stories therefore come close, says Støre. Russia presents a completely different picture of the war to its citizens than what we in the West are served. Regarding concerns about nuclear war, Chief of Defense Eirik Kristoffersen says that Norwegians do not need to worry so much about this for the time being. – Nuclear war is in nobody’s interest. It is a tool that is primarily used to threaten. What Russia is doing is threatening nuclear weapons to deter the West and especially the United States from giving too much support to Ukraine, says the defense chief. Chief of Defense Eirik Kristoffersen does not think a nuclear war is imminent, but understands that many people are worried. Photo: Torbjørn Kjosvold / Defense – What kind of consequences could there be for Norway if Russia uses nuclear weapons in Ukraine? – There will be a risk of the radioactivity being transported towards Norway. But it is primarily a disaster in Ukraine. Nuclear weapons have enormous consequences, and have only been used in war once. It was in August 1945 in Hiroshima and Nagasaki in Japan. – It is still someone who is very high to break and will put Putin in a very special light, he says.
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– No direct threat, says Støre – news Troms and Finnmark
